Arsenal Get Hit, Saka And Sterling Get Rid

Bukayo Saka is Arsenal's newest player to be sidelined due to injury (Instagram/@arsenal).

JAKARTA - Arsenal were hit hard on Monday, December 23, 2024, after Mikel Arteta confirmed that Bukayo Saka would be sidelined for several weeks due to a hamstring injury.

The 23-year-old was told of the news after meeting a specialist, after leaving Selhurst Park Stadium in ark, following a 5-1 victory by the Gunners at Crystal Palace on Sunday, December 22, 2024, early morning WIB.

"His condition is not good. He will be out for a few weeks. I can't explain specifically because I don't know, but it will last for a few weeks."

"He (Saka) was devastated. You can see that he is really emotional and very down. We need to lift him up."

"It was a big part of his job. He will be fine, but he will need a few days. He will soon realize that he is very important in our dressing room," said Arteta.

Arteta further emphasized that he needed to find a quick solution without Saka's presence.

The reason is, so far the England national team player is the pillar of the Gunners.

"It's a big (severe blow). He's definitely a great player for us. You just have to see the impact he has on the team."

"It will be a very good exercise for us to think of ways to overcome other challenges as we've been going through a lot of things this season."

"I'm working on some ideas. I'm not there yet. However, I have some."

"Then, I want to talk to the players too to understand how we will come up with the idea and respond in a positive way. Because of that, it means we will look different."

"The energy level, body language, and the way he communicates with other team members are really good. Right now, that's the only way to help him", said Arteta again.

Before bad news came from Saka, Arteta had already lost Raheem Sterling. In fact, the Chelsea loan player could replace Saka's role.

However, Sterling suffered a knee injury and is still under monitoring today.

"I'm sure he's going to be out for weeks. He needs to undergo further tests to find out how severe his injury is. His knee injury. We have to wait and see 24 more hours. Unfortunately, he will be out for a long time," said Arteta.

Sterling was injured against Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals, December 19, 2024. He was replaced in the 70th minute.

However, Arteta threw a signal that seeking new ammunition on the January 2025 transfer window to coat Saka and Sterling was not a priority.

"Preparations have been made. We are ready if something happens. Obviously we do not predict the situation with Bukayo and Raheem being absent at the same time."

"We predict more that something else will happen, for example if something happens in the defense."

"However, the work has been completed. If something should happen, we will be ready. However, the main focus now is how we will take advantage of the potential that is still in this squad," said the Spaniard.

Meanwhile, Bukayo Saka was replaced when the game had only been running 24 minutes. This is the third hamstring injury the striker has experienced this season.

The England international is an important player for Arteta. Saka started in 16 of 17 Premier League games.

Saka only missed a 0-2 loss at Bournemouth's home in October 2024 with injury. He has scored nine goals and 13 assists in 24 games in all competitions.

Arsenal will still play one more game before closing 2024. The Gunners will host Ipswich Town on December 28, 2024.